1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Need help: steering box adjustment

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Old 06-02-08, 12:44 PM
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NY Need help: steering box adjustment

How CAN I ADJUST THE STEERING WHEEL BOX ON MY 83 RX7? can some help? thanks
Old 06-02-08, 12:52 PM
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I had a few first gens and it's been a while but if I remember correctly you take a cap off the steering box, there is a flathead screw in there that you tighten. That should take the play away.

Also check the play on the pitman arm bushing and make sure it does not need to be replaced.

Man I miss the days of jetting my 12A carb to make some more power lol.

Anthony
Old 06-02-08, 01:08 PM
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I changed the title for you. Titles like "need help" often get passed over as people don't know what your question is about. Also by being precise in what you are looking for, you will notice several threads at the bottom of this screen that are all related to what you need.
Old 06-03-08, 12:18 AM
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Okay, I copied this from an old post that I responded to some time back. Hope this helps. It worked great for me, and was a lot simpler than the other methods. Might be a cheap shortcut, but like I said, it worked so I won't complain....



Okay, if your's is the same as mine, here's whatcha do;

Very important! Grind the beveled edge off of the large socket that you are going to use. It is almost impossible to get that one loose without rounding the corners off even without the bevel on the socket.

Okay, once that is done then get that large nut broken loose. If you manage to do that then you are home free. Once it is loose, then hold it while you turn the next largest nut (mine has a series of holes drilled into it). I used a hammer and cold punch to turn it. Tighten it about 1/8 of a turn, then retighten the large nut and take it for a drive.

This will be a trial and error type of thing. If its still too loose, then tighten that inner nut (the one with the holes in it) another 1/8 turn. If you end up getting it too tight then your steering will loose its self-centering properties and will quickly wear out completely.

I got lucky the first time I tried this. Took it for a drive and there was damn near zero freeplay, but not too tight. I used to have about 2" of freeplay, which was a really exciting setup, but not too practical. Now, when driving down the road small adjustments are almost done telepathically! This changed the entire feel of my car. By far the best thing I have done to it as far as improving the driveability and fun factor...
Old 06-03-08, 12:29 AM
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The chisel and hammer can also be used to loosen that large nut, and snug it back down.
Just be 100% sure that there's no play anywhere in steering linkage before starting any adjustments to the box. Those are a major chore to replace, and aren't too commonly found in good shape, without paying an arm and leg.
Old 06-03-08, 07:35 AM
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Just take a pair of pliers and remove the copper cap on the top of the box. Then loosen the set nut and tighten the screw in the middle. You only need to mess with the big "BIG" part if you cannot find enough adjustment here. Just wiggle the wheel, tighten a little, wiggle it, tighten etc. To tight and it will be sticky and cause irreversable wear (that's where you hear how they tightened it and it only lasted a couple weeks).
Old 06-03-08, 07:47 AM
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http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm

This page has some pictures for you
It might not be the exact one but it should give you an idea

goodluck
Old 06-03-08, 08:59 AM
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Originally Posted by 84stock
Just take a pair of pliers and remove the copper cap on the top of the box. Then loosen the set nut and tighten the screw in the middle. You only need to mess with the big "BIG" part if you cannot find enough adjustment here. Just wiggle the wheel, tighten a little, wiggle it, tighten etc. To tight and it will be sticky and cause irreversable wear (that's where you hear how they tightened it and it only lasted a couple weeks).
I have to disagree. On any other steering box, what you say is true. But these are completely different, and that adjustment performs a completely different function on these steering boxes. You can read the Mazspeed writeup on this to confirm.

On these boxes, you have to loosen the large thin nut, then turn the nut with the holes in it to adjust.
Old 06-04-08, 07:16 AM
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Originally Posted by gsl-se addict
I changed the title for you. Titles like "need help" often get passed over as people don't know what your question is about. Also by being precise in what you are looking for, you will notice several threads at the bottom of this screen that are all related to what you need.
thanks i really apreciated.
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